Breath Of Life

We used to sit out on the back porch,
baking cookies
as the sun's hot rays fell upon us.
You used to laugh at my corny jokes
just to make me feel good.
You were always there when I needed you.

I used to write you letters
every Halloween, birthday, Christmas and Valentine's Day.
You'd always write back
and enclosed in the envelope,
a treat.
Now who will I write to
now that you're gone?

You lay in bed gasping for breath.
I say, "I love you, grandma"
but you don't hear a thing.
I imagine you're thinking about happy moments,
moments you never want to forget.
And just before you fade,
losing all the light in your eyes,
the color in your skin,
the power to go on,
breathing,
you take your last gasp of air
and you remember your happiest memory.

You smile weakly,
close your eyes
and fade.

I wonder how you are.
Day after day,
I sit at home gazing up into the sky.
Maybe you really are watching down on me;
that would be nice.